Image formation apparatus which forms images of four page on both faces of sheet in such a manner as images of two pages are formed on each face

ABSTRACT

An image formation apparatus includes a loading means for loading a sheaf of originals obtained by staking a sheaf of the originals to be copied and a sheaf of the originals for front and reverse cover sheets, a feed means for feeding the originals one by one from the loaded sheaf, a read means for reading the fed original, a storage means for storing a read original image, an image formation means for reading the original images of four pages from the storage means, and forms the images of two pages on each of front and reverse faces of a sheet, a setting means for performing setting to form the images on the front and reverse cover sheets, and a control means for controlling, according to the setting, the reading of the images from the storage means such that the original images for the front and reverse cover sheets are respectively formed on front and reverse cover sheet pages, for controlling the reading such that the original image for the cover sheet is formed on the sheet different from the sheet not for the cover sheet is formed, and for controlling the image reading such that the plural sheets on which the images have been respectively formed are together folded in two in a state that the sheets are being stacked, and when a folded portion of the sheets are bounded, the images on the respective sheets are arranged in the order of page.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to an image formation apparatus whichforms images of four pages on front and reverse faces (or sides) of asheet as the images of the two pages are formed on each face.

2. Related Background Art

Recently, there has been proposed an image formation apparatus whichforms images of two pages on each of front and reverse faces of a sheet.In this apparatus, in a state that the plural sheets each taking theimages on its front and reverse faces are being stacked, these stackedsheets are together folded in two and then bound at their folds to putthe images formed on the sheets in the order of page.

However, in a case where it is intended to obtain these sheets togetherwith a cover sheet, there has been a problem that, if an original to beformed or copied on the cover sheet is merely put on plural originals tobe formed or copied on the sheets other than the cover sheet the same asthe originals are ordinarily put or set, the image of the original whichis to be formed or copied essentially on the sheet other than the coversheet is undesirably formed or copied on the reverse of the cover sheet.Therefore, in order that any image may not be formed on the reverse ofthe cover sheet, it is necessary to modify a copy operation byappropriately inserting a blank sheet in a sheaf of the originals,whereby the operation becomes troublesome.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

An object of the present invention is to provide an image formationapparatus which can solve the above-described conventional problem.

An another object of the present invention is to provide an imageformation apparatus, an image formation method and a storage medium inwhich a computer readable program to realize the above method is stored,all capable of judging based on a set operation mode whether or not aread original image is the image to be printed on a cover sheet or theimage to be printed on a recording sheet other than the cover sheet, andeasily obtaining copies laid out into a book binding state added withthe cover sheet.

Further objects and features of the present invention will be apparentfrom the following detailed description and the accompanying drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a sectional view showing the structure of a copy machine in anembodiment of the present invention;

FIGS. 2A, 2B, 2C, 2D and 2E are views showing the procedure of a foldingprocess;

FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing the structure of a control unit of thecopy machine;

FIG. 4 is a view showing the configuration of a console unit 36 of thecopy machine;

FIGS. 5A, 5B, 5C and 5D are views showing the procedure to set a coversheet mode;

FIGS. 6A, 6B, 6C, 6D and 6E are views showing methods to store and readan original image;

FIG. 7 is a view showing image storage areas in an image memory 35;

FIGS. 8A, 8B and 8C are views showing a copy process in a book bindingmode;

FIG. 9 is a flow chart showing the procedure of the copy process whenthe book binding mode and the cover sheet mode are designated;

FIG. 10 is a flow chart showing the procedure of the copy process whenthe book binding mode and the cover sheet mode are designated;

FIG. 11 is a flow chart showing the procedure of a sheet selectionprocess;

FIG. 12 is a flow chart showing the procedure of a process of automaticsheet selection 1 in a step S1006 shown in FIG. 11;

FIGS. 13A and 13B are views showing tables used to search or retrieve anoptimum sheet size;

FIG. 14 is a flow chart showing the procedure of a process of automaticsheet selection 2 in a step S1007 shown in FIG. 11;

FIG. 15 is a flow chart showing the procedure to form an image processtable in a step S809 shown in FIG. 9;

FIGS. 16A and 16B are views showing the image process tables;

FIGS. 17A and 17B are views showing the arrangement of the originalimages for a cover sheet; and

FIGS. 18A and 18B are views showing a cover sheet image process table.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

An embodiment of an image formation apparatus, an image formation methodand a storage medium in which a computer readable program to realize theabove method is stored, according to the present invention will beexplained hereinafter. In the present embodiment, the image formationapparatus is applied to a copy machine, and FIG. 1 is a sectional viewshowing the structure of the copy machine.

In the drawing, a sheaf of originals is put upward on an original feedunit 1, and the originals are sequentially carried or fed to an originalmounting glass board 2 one by one. At this time, a size of the carriedoriginal is detected by an original size detection sensor (not shown)provided within the unit 1. Also, in case of directly setting theoriginal on the glass board 2, the size of the original can be detectedby reflection sensors 22 and 23.

After the original was carried to or put on the glass board 2, a lamp 3is turned on and a scanner unit 4 is moved to irradiate the original.Light reflected from the original is penetrated to a lens 8 throughmirrors 5, 6 and 7, and then inputted to an image sensor 9. An originalimage inputted to the sensor 9 is processed by a CPU circuit unit 37(see FIG. 3). Then, the processed image is directly inputted to anexposure control unit 10, or once stored in an image memory 35 (see FIG.3) and then read out thereof and inputted to the control unit 10.

An image signal inputted to the control unit 10 is converted into anoptical signal. The obtained optical signal is modulated according tothe image signal and then irradiated onto a photosensitive body 11. Anelectrostatic latent image formed on the photosensitive body 11 based onthis irradiation is developed by a development unit 12.

On the other hand, in synchronism with developing timing, a transfersheet is carried from a transfer sheet loading unit 14 or 15, and adeveloped toner image is transferred to the transfer sheet by a transferunit 16. The transferred toner image is fixed to the sheet by a fixingunit 17. After then, in case of discharging the transfer sheet of asingle-face image, such the sheet is discharged outside from a sheetdischarge unit 18. On the other hand, in case of discharging thetransfer sheet of double-face images or multiplex images, such the sheetis passed through a double-face/multiplex path 21 by a flapper 20 andthen again carried to the transfer unit 16.

The transfer sheet outputted from the sheet discharge unit 18 is carriedto a sheet discharge process unit 100. In the unit 100, by using aflapper 102, the carried sheet is discharged to a sheet discharge tray112 or carried to a folding path 104. In the folding path 104, a firstface of the transfer sheet of the double-face images faces the right(i.e., folding unit 109 side), and a second face thereof faces the left.

FIGS. 2A to 2E are views showing the procedure of a folding process. Thesheet carried to the folding path 104 is further carried up to a buttingboard 120 (FIG. 2A). By once lowering and then raising the butting board120 up to a predetermined position, a trailing edge of the sheet isentered into a refuge path 105, and the sheet discharge process unit 100waits for the next (i.e., second) sheet carried (FIG. 2B). Similarly,the second sheet is set in the refuge path 105 (FIG. 2C). After all thesheets were carried to the path 105, the butting board 120 is raisedsuch that a central portion of the sheets reaches the position of astapler 115, and a stapling process on the sheets is performed by thestapler 115. The butting board 120 is then lowered such that the centralportion of the sheets set at the board 120 reaches the position of thefolding unit 109 (FIG. 2D). By moving the folding unit 109 in thedirection of folding rollers 107, the central portion of the sheets isentered between the rollers 107, whereby the stacked sheets are togetherfolded in two and then discharged to a sheet discharge tray 111 (FIG.2E). In other words, the first face of the sheet of the double-faceimages is discharged in a state that the first face is being foldedinward.

The sheet discharge process unit 100 is detachable from the main body ofthe copy machine, and a sensor (not shown) to detect the unit 100 isprovided within the main body.

FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing the structure of a control unit of thecopy machine. In the drawing, an image read unit 31 is composed of anoptical system for inputting the reflected light from the originalimage, a CCD for converting the reflected light from the optical systeminto an analog signal, an A/D converter for converting the analog signalreceived from the CCD into a digital signal, and the like. The imageread unit 31 reads the original image and sends the obtained digitalsignal to an image process unit 32.

The image process unit 32 is composed of a shading correction circuit, alight color density conversion circuit, an image edit circuit and thelike. The image edit circuit edits the image, e.g., zooming, shiftingand trimming of the image, on the basis of an instruction from a user.The image process unit 32 corrects and edits the image inputted from theimage read unit 31, and then sends obtained image data to an imagerecord unit 34 or the image memory 35 to store the image through animage data selector 33.

The image data selector 33 is composed of a switching circuit unit, asynthesizing circuit unit and the like. The switching circuit unitswitches a path for sending the image data from the image process unit32 to the image record unit 34, a path for sending the image data fromthe unit 32 to the image memory 35 and a path for sending the image dataread out of the memory 35 to the image record unit 34, on the basis ofan instruction from the CPU circuit unit 37. The synthesizing circuitunit synthesizes the image data sent from the unit 32 and the image dataread out of the memory 35.

The image record unit 34 transfers the image onto the recording sheet onthe basis of a density signal of the image data sent from the image dataselector 33.

The image memory 35 stores and reads the image data sent from the imagedata selector 33 at its designated position on the basis of theinstruction from the CPU circuit unit 37 in a manner described later.Further, the memory 35 performs an image rotating process, an imagesynthesizing process on the memory, and the like.

The CPU circuit unit 37 is composed of a CPU, a ROM 38, a RAM 39, avarious-timer control unit and the like. The CPU controls the imageformation apparatus as a whole. The ROM 38 has stored therein a controlprogram, an error process program and the like. The RAM 39 is used as aworking area to execute various programs. The various programs which areshown in later-described flow charts of FIGS. 9 to 12, 14 and 15 andexecuted by the CPU have been stored in the ROM 38.

A console unit 36 is composed of various key groups, a display unit andthe like. The key groups are used to instruct various image formationoperations to the image process unit 32, e.g., the contents of the imageedit, the number of copies and the like. The display unit displays thecontents of the operations.

FIG. 4 is a view showing the configuration of the console unit 36 of thecopy machine. As shown in the drawing, various keys (i.e., touch panel)and a liquid crystal display unit 238 (i.e., touch panel display) of adot matrix are arranged on the unit 36. A state of the apparatus, thenumber of copies, magnification, the selected sheet and variousoperation screens are displayed on the unit 238, and the unit 238 isoperated by using control keys 231 to 235.

A start key 203 is the key to start copying, and a return key 202 is thekey to return a setting mode to a normal (or initial) state. A key group205 is composed of a ten-key including “0” to “9” keys to input thenumber of copies, the zooming magnification and the like, and a clearkey to clear such inputs. A density key 207 is the key to increase anddecrease a density, and the density adjusted or controlled by using thekey 207 is displayed on a display unit 241. The key 237 is the key toturn on and off an automatic density adjustment function, and also actsas the display unit to display an on/off state of the function. The key206 is the key to select paper feed decks and an automatic sheetselection function, and such a selected state is displayed on the liquidcrystal display unit 238.

A key 208 is the key to set the same-size copy, and a key 210 is the keyto set the fixed-size reduction/enlargement copy. A state set by usingthe key 208 or 210 is displayed on the display unit 238. A book bindingmode key 220 is the key to set a mode (book binding mode) for performingbook binding in the state that the copied sheets are being folded intwo. Procedure to set the book binding mode is displayed on the displayunit 238 and a display unit 219.

A key 218 is the key to set a cover sheet mode, and procedure to set thecover sheet mode is displayed on the display unit 238. FIGS. 5A to 5Dare the views showing the procedure to set the cover sheet mode. Whenthe key 218 is depressed, the displaying to set whether or not thecopying is to be performed on the cover sheet is performed (FIG. 5B). Inthis case, if “NO COPY” is designated, the cover sheet mode not toperform the copying on the sheet to be used as the cover sheet is set,and the displaying state returns to a state shown in FIG. 5A. On theother hand, if “COPY” is designated, it is designated on which face ofthe sheet to be used as the cover sheet the copying is performed (FIG.5C). When the designation terminates, the cover sheet mode to performthe copying on the sheet to be used as the cover sheet is set, and thedisplaying state returns to the state shown in FIG. 5A. The currentlyset state is displayed on a display unit 217.

FIG. 5D represents which face of the sheet to be used as the cover sheetthe setting in FIG. 5C indicates. That is, “FRONT—COVER SHEET” indicatesthe reverse of the front cover sheet, “FRONT INSIDE—COVER SHEET”indicates the reverse of the front cover sheet, “REVERSE—COVER SHEET”indicates the front of the reverse cover sheet, and “REVERSEINSIDE—COVER SHEET” indicates the reverse of the reverse cover sheet.

Hereinafter, an operation of the copy machine of the above-describedstructure will be explained. FIGS. 6A to 6E are views showing methods tostore and read the original image. FIG. 6A shows one storage capacity ofthe image memory. Namely, the image memory consists of longitudinal 4662bits×lateral 6596 bits, and can store the image of A3 size. FIG. 7 is aview showing image storage areas in the image memory 35. That is, theimage storage areas consist of one image layout memory (area) and imagememories (areas) capable of storing the images of 100 sheets.

Initially, the method to store the original image in the image memorywill be explained. In the present embodiment, a case where the originalof A4 size put on the original mounting glass board 2 is stored in theimage memory will be explained.

In FIG. 6B, the original is sequentially read or scanned in directionsindicated by solid arrows. Initially, a (0, 0) address is set as a startposition, an X-direction counter is designated to be counted up, and aY-direction counter is designated to be counted up. When a first line isread, the Y-direction counter is counted up, and the read image data iswritten in the memory in due order in a (0, 4661) address direction.Then, when a second line is read, the X-direction counter is counted up,the image data is written from a (1, 0) address in due order in a (1,4661) address direction. By repeating the reading and writing in thismanner, the image data is written up to a (3297, 4661) address.

Subsequently, the process to read the image data written in the imagememory will be explained with reference to FIGS. 6C and 6D. In FIG. 6C,a (3297, 0) address of a first line of the image data is set as a startposition, the X-direction counter is designated to be counted down, andthe Y-direction counter is designated to be counted up. As theX-direction counter is sequentially counted down, the written image datais read. Then, the Y-direction counter is counted up, and thus a secondline is read from a (3297, 1) address in due order in a (0, 1) addressdirection.

In FIG. 6D, a (0, 0) address of a first line is set as a start position,the X-direction counter is designated to be counted up, and theY-direction counter is designated to be counted up. As the Y-directioncounter is sequentially counted up in a (0, 4661) address direction, theimage data is read. Then, the X-direction counter is counted up, asecond line is read from a (1, 0) address in due order in a (1, 4661)address direction.

Therefore, by reading the image data in the method shown in FIG. 6C, theA4 original image can be rotated. On the other hand, by reading theimage data in the method shown in FIG. 6D, the original image can beread without rotating it.

In FIG. 6E, the image data individually stored is read and the readimage data is written at a desired position in an image layout memory,whereby the different original images can be synthesized in the memory.

Subsequently, a copy process in a book binding mode will be explained.FIGS. 8A to 8C are views showing the copy process in the book bindingmode. FIG. 8A shows input originals 601 to 608 which are set to theoriginal feed unit 1 in a state that these eight originals are beingstacked. FIG. 8B shows a state that the sheets of the double-face imagesare bounded. FIG. 8C shows page distribution on first and second sheets.

FIGS. 9 and 10 are the flow charts showing the procedure to perform thecopy process in a case where the book binding mode and the cover sheetmode are designated. Initially, the originals 601 to 608 shown in FIG.8A are set to or put on the original feed unit 1. Further, in case ofdesignating the cover sheet mode (see FIGS. 5A to 5D), the original tobe copied on the cover sheet (i.e., cover sheet original) is set on theoriginals 601 to 608 already set to the unit 1 (see FIG. 17A). That is,not only the original to be copied on the front of the front cover sheetor the reverse of the front cover sheet, but also the original to becopied on the reverse of the reverse cover sheet or the front of thereverse cover sheet is set on the originals 601 to 608. In this case, itis assumed that these originals must be set in the order (from the top)of the front of the front cover sheet, the reverse of the front coversheet, the reverse of the reverse cover sheet and the front of thereverse cover sheet. Thus, the user may only stack the originals for thecover sheets (including front cover sheet and reverse cover sheet) on asheaf of the originals for the contents (text or body) sequentiallystacked in due order. By doing so, the user can cause the imageformation apparatus to execute the book binding mode to his satisfactionwithout any confusion.

FIG. 17A shows the state of the originals when they are set in themanner shown in FIG. 5C. When the copy start key 203 is depressed inthis state, the copy process starts.

Initially, the original size is detected by the original size detectionsensor provided in the original feed unit 1 or the reflection sensors 22and 23 (step S801). Then, the sheet is selected and the selected sheetis checked (step S802).

FIG. 11 is the flow chart showing the procedure to perform a sheetselection process. It is first judged whether or not the sheet dischargeprocess unit 100 having a folding mechanism is being mounted (stepS1001). If not mounted, a process in a step S1004 is performed. On theother hand, if mounted, it is further judged whether or not the bookbinding mode is being designated (step S1002).

If not designated, the process in the step S1004 is performed. On theother hand, if designated, it is further judged whether or not automaticsheet selection is being designated (step S1003).

If designated, a process of automatic sheet selection 1 in alater-described step S1006 is performed. On the other hand, if notdesignated, it is judged whether or not the sheet designated by usingthe sheet selection key is the sheet facing laterally (i.e., sheet ofwhich longer side extending along sheet discharge direction) (stepS1005). If the sheet faces laterally, this sheet is selected (stepS1010), and the process terminates. On the other hand, if the sheet doesnot faces laterally, it is set in a predetermined RAM area that thedesignated sheet is inappropriate (step S1009), and the processterminates.

In the step S1004, it is judged whether or not the automatic sheetselection is being designated. If designated, a process of automaticsheet selection 2 in a later-described step S1007 is performed. On theother hand, if not designated, a process in a step S1008 is performed.In this step S1008, the sheet designated by using the sheet selectionkey is selected, and then the process terminates.

FIG. 12 is the flow chart showing the procedure to perform the processof automatic sheet selection 1 in the step S1006. In FIG. 12, an imagesize is initially calculated (step S1101). The image size is calculatedbased on the original size detected by the original size detectionsensor or the reflection sensors 22 and 23, zooming data set by usingthe console unit, other mode, and the like. For example, in the bookbinding mode, the image size capable of containing the two faces of theoriginals is calculated by multiplying the detected original size by themagnification (zooming rate) and then doubling a shorter side of theobtained-size original.

Subsequently, the optimum sheet size is searched or retrieved (stepS1102). FIGS. 13A and 13B are views respectively showing tables used tosearch the optimum sheet size. The search is performed by selecting theminimum-size sheet capable of containing the image size calculated inthe step S1101, from among the laterally faced sheets arranged in thesmaller order shown in FIG. 13A.

On the basis of the directions and the sizes of mounted sheet cassettes,a table in which the laterally faced sheets are arranged in the order ofsize and a table in which the longitudinally faced sheets are arrangedin the order of size are respectively formed at predetermined areas inthe RAM (step S1103).

Then, the cassette of which size coincides with the sheet size detectedin the step S1102 is searched in the table formed in the step S1103 inwhich the laterally faced sheets are arranged in the order of size (stepS1104), and it is detected whether or not there is the coincided-sizecassette (step S1105). If YES in the step S1105, the coincided cassetteis selected (step S1107), and the process terminates. On the other hand,if NO in the step S1105, the secondary subject (i.e., cassette) isselected (step S1106). As the secondary cassette, the smallest-sizecassette (sheet) capable of containing the sheet size searched in thestep S1102 is searched in the table formed in the step S1103. In thiscase, if there is no cassette to be selected, the remaining maximum-sizecassette is selected, and the process terminates.

FIG. 14 is the flow chart showing the procedure to perform the processof automatic sheet selection 2 in the step S1007. Initially, the imagesize is calculated (step S1201). The image size is calculated based onthe original size detected by the original size detection sensor or thereflection sensors 22 and 23, the zooming data set by using the consoleunit, other mode, and the like.

Subsequently, the optimum sheet size is searched or retrieved (stepS1202). The search is performed by selecting the minimum-size sheetcapable of containing the image size calculated in the step S1201, fromamong the longitudinally faced sheet and the laterally faced sheetsarranged in the smaller order shown in FIG. 13B. The mounted sheetcassettes are arranged in the order of size to form the table at apredetermined area in the RAM (step S1203).

Then, the cassette of which size coincides with the sheet size detectedin the step S1202 is searched in the table formed in the step S1203 inwhich the sheet cassettes are arranged in the order of size (stepS1204), and it is detected whether or not there is the coincided-sizecassette (step S1205). If YES in the step S1205, the coincided cassetteis selected (step S1207), and the process terminates.

On the other hand, if NO in the step S1205, the secondary subject (i.e.,sheet cassette) is selected (step S1206). As the secondary sheetcassette, the smallest-size cassette (sheet) capable of containing thesheet size searched in the step S1202 is searched in the table formed inthe step S1203. In this case, if there is no sheet cassette to beselected, the remaining maximum-size cassette is selected, and theprocess terminates.

Thus, the sheet selection process in the step S802 in FIG. 9 terminates.Subsequently, as a result of the process in the step S802, it is checkedwhether or not the selected sheet is inappropriate, the optimum-sizesheet is being selected, or the like (step S803).

If a satisfactory result can be obtained in the sheet check, the flowadvances to a process in a step S806. On the other hand, if such theresult can not be obtained, a message to notify that the sheet isinappropriate is displayed on the liquid crystal display unit 238 of theconsole unit (step S804), and the flow waits for the start key inputtingto again start the process (step S805). When the start key inputting isperformed, the flow advances to the process in the step S806.

In the step S806, the originals put upward on the original feed unit 1are carried or fed one by one from the top in sequence to the originalmounting glass board 2, the images of the carried originals are read bythe image sensor 9, and the read images are sequentially stored in theimage memory 35 shown in FIG. 7. Such the storing is performed from theimage memory 1 in sequence in FIG. 7. Simultaneously, the number N ofthe originals is counted.

In a case where the cover sheet mode is being set and the setting toperform the copying on the cover sheet is being performed, the number Nof the originals is corrected by subtracting the number C (maximum 4) ofthe cover sheet originals to be copied (i.e., originals to be copied oncover sheet) from the actually counted number N of the originals, byusing an expression (1) (step S807). It should be noted that the numberC of the cover sheet originals is equal to the number of checks (✓)designated on a screen shown in FIG. 5C.N=N−(the number C of the cover sheet originals to be copied)  (1)

Then the number P of the sheets to be outputted is calculated from thenumber N of the originals by using an expression (2) (step S808).P=QOUT[(N+3)/4]  (2)where QOUT[X] represents an integral quotient of X, and this integralquotient is the integral value which is obtained by cutting offnumerical values smaller than a decimal point of a result of such adivision process.

Subsequently, the image reading order is calculated to form an imageprocess table representing the image reading order (step S809). FIG. 15is the flow chart showing the procedure to form the image process tablein the step S809. Initially, a counter i is set to be “0”, and thenumber P of the output sheets obtained in the step S808 is set to acounters Pup and Pdown (step S901).

Then, the number P of the output sheets is compared with the counter i(step S902). If a result of the comparison (i<P) is true, the flowadvances to a step S903. On the other hand, if the result is false, theprocess terminates. In the step S903, calculation is performed accordingto an expression (3) to write in due order calculated results in theimage process table representing the image reading order. FIG. 16A isthe view showing the image process table in a case where there is nocover sheet or no copy is performed on the cover sheet. FIG. 16B is theview showing the image process table in a case where there are threeoriginals to be copied on the cover sheets as in the setting shown inFIG. 5C.first face−left=2×Pdown+Cfirst face−right=2×Pup+1+Csecond face−left=2×Pup+2+Csecond face−right=2×Pdown−1+C  (3)where C represents the number of the cover sheet originals to be copied.

Subsequently, the value “1” is added to the counter i, the value “1” isadded to the counter Pup, and the value “1” is subtracted from thecounter Pdown (step S904). Then, the flow again returns to the processin the step S902 to repeat the processes in the steps S902 and thefollower to form the image process tables shown in FIGS. 16A and 16B.

After then, the images stored in the image memory 35 are laid out in theimage layout memory within the memory 35 according to the orderindicated by the image process tables shown in FIGS. 16A and 16B (stepS810). In the example of FIG. 16A, the fourth image is firstly laid outin the above manner such that this image is located on the left side ofthe image layout memory, and the fifth image is laid out such that thisimage is located on the right side of the image layout memory. Then, theimage in the image layout memory is printed according to the printstarting of a first face (step S811). Like the step S810, the next imageis expanded in the image layout memory (step S812), and the next imageexpanded is similarly printed on the reverse of the sheet alreadysubjected to the printing in the step S811 (step S813). Then, like thestep S803, the sheet is checked (step S814). If OK in the step S814, thesheet of which both the faces were subjected to the printing is put on astack unit 110 within the sheet discharge process unit 100 in a casewhere the unit 100 is being mounted (step S815). On the other hand, ifnot OK in the step S814, the sheet is not carried or fed to the stackunit 110 but is discharged outside (step S816).

Subsequently, it is judged whether or not the above-described processesin the steps S810 and the follower are performed plural times as many asthe number P of the output sheets (step S817). If the processes do notterminate, the processes in the step S810 and the follower are repeated.On the other hand, if the processes terminate, it is further judgedwhether or not the processes of the number of copies designated by theconsole unit terminate (step S818). If not terminate, the processes inthe step S810 and the follower are repeated. Then, if terminate, theflow advances to a process in a step S819.

In the step S819, it is judged whether or not the cover sheet mode isbeing set. If not being set, processes in a step S825 and the followerare performed. On the other hand, if being set, the cover sheet imageprocess table is formed (step S820).

FIG. 17B is a view showing the arrangement of the original images forthe cover sheets. FIGS. 18A and 18B are views showing the cover sheetimage process table. In FIG. 18B, numerals “1”, “2”, “3” and “4”represent page information of the read originals images for the coversheets. On the basis of the mode shown in FIG. 18A and designated by theconsole unit, the page information of the print image shown in FIG. 18Bis read, and a layout process for the image is performed (step S821).Numeral “0” in FIG. 18B represents that there is no image to be laidout. The image layout processes on the first and second faces areperformed in the steps S821 and S823, respectively. In these cases, theimages stored in the image memory 35 are laid out in the image layoutmemory within the memory 35 according to the cover sheet image processtable shown in FIGS. 18A and 18B (step S821). How to lay out the imageis the same as that in the process shown in the step S810.

The image in the image layout memory is printed according to the printstarting of the first face (step S822). Like the step S821, the nextimage is expanded in the image layout memory (step S823), and the nextimage is similarly printed on the reverse of the sheet already subjectedto the printing in the step S822 (step S824).

When the printing terminates, the processes in the step S825 thefollower are performed. In the step S825, it is judged whether or notthe sheets are stacked in the folding path 104. If YES in the step S825,the folding process is performed (step S826), and then the sheets aredischarged outside. On the other hand, if NO in the step S825, theprocess terminates.

By performing the above processes, the book binding layout which isadded with the cover sheets can be realized.

It should be noted that the present invention can be applied to a systemconsisting of plural equipments or can be also applied to an apparatuscontaining one equipment. Further, it will be obviously understood thatthe present invention can be applied to such a case as the invention isachieved by supplying a program to the system or the apparatus. In thiscase, when the system or the apparatus reads a storage medium in which aprogram represented by a software to achieve the present invention hasbeen stored, the system or the apparatus can derive the effect of thepresent invention.

In the above embodiment, although the ROM has been used as the storagemedium, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, afloppy disk, a hard disk, an optical disk, a magneto-optical disk, aCD-ROM, a CD-R, a DVD, a magnetic tape, a nonvolatile memory card or thelike can be used as the storage medium.

1. An image formation apparatus comprising: read means for sequentiallyreading plural originals including the original for a cover sheet;storage means for storing plural original images read and obtained bysaid read means; image formation means for reading the original imagesof four pages from said storage means, and forms the images of two pageson each of front and reverse faces of a sheet; setting means forperforming setting to form the image on the cover sheet; and controlmeans for controlling, according as the setting to form the image on thecover sheet was performed by said setting means, the reading of theimages from said storage means such that the original image for thecover sheet is formed on the sheet different from the sheet on which theoriginal image not for the cover sheet is formed.
 2. An apparatusaccording to claim 1, wherein said control means controls the reading ofthe images from said storage means such that the plural sheets on whichthe images have been respectively formed are together folded in two in astate that the plural sheets are being stacked, and when a foldedportion of the sheets are bounded, the images on the respective sheetsare arranged in the order of page.
 3. An apparatus according to claim 2,further comprising: binding process means for performing a bindingprocess on a central portion of the sheets in the state that the pluralsheets on which the images have been respectively formed by said imageformation means are being stacked; and folding process means for foldingthe sheets in two with use of the central portion of the sheets bindingprocessed by said binding process means as a fold.
 4. An apparatusaccording to claim 2, further comprising second setting means forsetting the sheet face and a position on which the original image forthe cover sheet is to be formed, and wherein said control meansrecognizes the number of the originals for the cover sheets according tothe setting by said second setting means, controls the reading of theoriginal images from said storage means based on the number of theoriginals obtained by subtracting the number of the originals for thecover sheets from the number of the read originals, and controls thereading of the original images from said storage means according to thesetting by said second setting means.
 5. An apparatus according to claim1, further comprising: loading means for loading thereon a sheaf of theoriginals including the original for the cover sheet; and feed means forfeeding the originals from said loading means one by one, wherein saidread means reads the original fed by said feed means.
 6. An apparatusaccording to claim 5, wherein said loading means loads the sheaf of theoriginals such that the sheaf of the originals for the cover sheets arestacked on the sheaf of the originals to be copied, and said feed meansfeeds the originals from the top of the sheaf of the originals loaded onsaid loading means in due order.
 7. An image formation apparatuscomprising: loading means for loading thereon a sheaf of originalsobtained by staking a sheaf of the originals to be copied and a sheaf ofthe originals for a front cover sheet and the originals for a reversecover sheet; feed means for feeding the originals one by one from thesheaf of the originals loaded on said loading means; read means forreading the original fed by said feed means; storage means for storingan original image read and obtained by said read means; image formationmeans for reading the original image from said storage means, and formsthe image on a sheet; setting means for performing setting to form theimages on the front cover sheet and the reverse cover sheet; and controlmeans for controlling, according as the setting to form the images onthe front cover sheet and the reverse cover sheet was performed by saidsetting means, the reading of the images from said storage means suchthat the original image for the front cover sheet is formed on a page ofthe front cover sheet and the original image for the reverse cover sheetis formed on a page of the reverse cover sheet.
 8. An apparatusaccording to claim 7, wherein said control means controls the reading ofthe images from said storage means such that the plural sheets on whichthe images have been respectively formed are together folded in two in astate that the plural sheets are being stacked, and when a foldedportion of the sheets are bounded, the images on the respective sheetsare arranged in the order of page.
 9. An image formation methodcomprising: a read step of sequentially reading plural originalsincluding the original for a cover sheet; a storage step of storing in astorage means plural original images read and obtained in said readstep; an image formation step of reading the original images of fourpages from the storage means, and forms the images of two pages on eachof front and reverse faces of a sheet; a setting step of performingsetting to form the image on the cover sheet; and a control step ofcontrolling, according as the setting to form the image on the coversheet was performed in said setting step, the reading of the images fromthe storage means such that the original image for the cover sheet isformed on the sheet different from the sheet on which the original imagenot for the cover sheet is formed.
 10. A method according to claim 9,wherein said control step controls the reading of the images from thestorage means such that the plural sheets on which the images have beenrespectively formed are together folded in two in a state that theplural sheets are being stacked, and when a folded portion of the sheetsare bounded, the images on the respective sheets are arranged in theorder of page.
 11. A method according to claim 10, further comprising: abinding process step of performing a binding process on a centralportion of the sheets in the state that the plural sheets on which theimages have been respectively formed in said image formation step arebeing stacked; and a folding process step of folding the sheets in twowith use of the central portion of the sheets binding processed in saidbinding process step as a fold.
 12. A method according to claim 10,further comprising a second setting step of setting the sheet face and aposition on which the original image for the cover sheet is to beformed, and wherein said control step recognizes the number of theoriginals for the cover sheets according to the setting in said secondsetting step, controls the reading of the original images from thestorage means based on the number of the originals obtained bysubtracting the number of the originals for the cover sheets from thenumber of the read originals, and controls the reading of the originalimage from the storage means according to the setting in said secondsetting step.
 13. A method according to claim 9, further comprising: aloading step of loading on a loading means a sheaf of the originalsincluding the original for the cover sheet; and a feed step of feedingthe originals from the loading means one by one, wherein said read stepreads the original fed in said feed step.
 14. A method according toclaim 13, wherein said loading step loads the sheaf of the originalssuch that the sheaf of the originals for the cover sheets are stacked onthe sheaf of the originals to be copied, and said feed step feeds theoriginals from the top of the sheaf of the originals loaded in saidloading step in due order.
 15. An image formation method comprising: aloading step of loading on a loading means a sheaf of originals obtainedby staking a sheaf of the originals to be copied and a sheaf of theoriginals for a front cover sheet and the originals for a reverse coversheet; a feed step of feeding the originals one by one from the sheaf ofthe originals loaded in said loading step; a read step of reading theoriginal fed in said feed step; a storage step of storing in a storagemeans an original image read and obtained in said read step; an imageformation means for reading the original image from the storage means,and forms the image on a sheet; a setting step of performing setting toform the images on the front cover sheet and the reverse cover sheet;and a control step of controlling, according as the setting to form theimages on the front cover sheet and the reverse cover sheet wasperformed in said setting step, the reading of the images from thestorage means such that the original image for the front cover sheet isformed on a page of the front cover sheet and the original image for thereverse cover sheet is formed on a page of the reverse cover sheet. 16.A method according to claim 15, wherein said control step controls thereading of the images from the storage means such that the plural sheetson which the images have been respectively formed are together folded intwo in a state that the plural sheets are being stacked, and when afolded portion of the sheets are bounded, the images on the respectivesheets are arranged in the order of page.